HRW: At least 16 children among kidnapped by IS in Syria

Human Rights Watch says at least 16 children are among nearly 30 civilians kidnapped by Islamic State militants in southern Syria a month ago.

The rights watchdog said Saturday the extremists are using the kidnapped as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Syrian government and Russia, calling it a “war crime.”

The government is pushing on with an offensive against the group in the southern Sweida province and areas adjacent to Damascus while locals have formed a negotiating committee to secure the release of their relatives.

In a multi-pronged attack, the militants raided Sweida villages and carried out suicide bombings and kidnapped more than 30 people on July 25. The group later beheaded one teenager, while a woman died in their custody. HRW said two women managed to escape.